Did the Heroic Spirit I conquered become a reality?

“I am not questioning your knowledge or preparation.” Tohsaka Yu’s tone remained humble, but carried an undeniable seriousness. “I just… recently witnessed some unimaginable ‘changes’ that have made me have some… serious doubts about the ‘essence’ of this Holy Grail War and the ‘Holy Grail’ itself.”

He did not directly mention Tiamat's devouring of the Holy Grail core, nor did he mention Aika Sajou's actions at Ryudouji Temple, which could be described as "playing with the rules".

These things are too absurd to believe. Even if Kenneth were to tell them, he might not believe them. Instead, it might bring more unnecessary trouble and suspicion.

He was simply trying to remind his teacher in a relatively tactful way.

"Oh? An unexpected 'unexpected turn of events'?" Kenneth raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued, but more suspicious than anything else. "Yu, you should know that in a ritual of the Holy Grail War's caliber, any leak of information could have fatal consequences, right?"

"If you're just trying to sway my resolve with some alarmist rhetoric... then don't waste your time."

“This disciple has no such intention.” Tohsaka Yu shook his head, his expression calm. “I just don’t want to see you, Master, and… other innocent people pay an unnecessary price because of a ‘wish’ that is no longer pure.”

Just then, Aika Sajou, who had been sitting quietly beside Yu Tohsaka, fiddling with the hem of her clothes like a delicate doll, suddenly tilted her head and looked at Kenneth with her innocent, emerald green eyes, saying in a light tone, "Mr. Kenneth, Yu-kun wasn't lying. That thing called the 'Greater Grail' has indeed... well, become a little 'dirty'."

Her words were innocent and naive, as if she were merely stating a trivial matter, but the information they conveyed caused Kenneth's expression to change slightly.

His sharp gaze lingered for a moment on Aika Sajou's innocent face, as if trying to discern something from her expression.

However, Aika Sajou always wore a bright smile, showing no change in her emotions whatsoever.

Meanwhile, Morgan, who had been observing coldly, heard Ayaka Sajou's "naive" remarks, and a faint, sarcastic smile appeared on his lips beneath his veil.

She picked up the black tea in front of her, took an elegant sip, and without saying a word, she took in every subtle change in Kenneth's expression.

Kenneth was silent for a moment, but finally turned his gaze back to Tohsaka Yu: "What exactly do you mean by 'change'? If you really have some key information that can affect the course of the Holy Grail War, I don't mind... listening to it."

Although he was arrogant, he was not stupid.

Yu Tohsaka's current attitude, as well as the presence of the two mysterious women beside him, forced him to re-examine the complexity of this Holy Grail War.

Perhaps... things really did happen as Yu said, with some "accidents" that he couldn't have foreseen?

Seeing Kenneth's slightly softened attitude, Yu Tohsaka knew that this was an opportunity.

He took a deep breath and began to share his "understanding" of the Greater Grail—of course, omitting the fact that Tiamat devoured the core and that the chaotic battle at Ryudouji Temple last night ultimately led to the Greater Grail core "disappearing".

He selectively explained the situation to Kenneth in an objective manner that did not arouse too much suspicion.

“…So, the ‘change’ I’m referring to means that the Greater Grail itself may no longer be the ‘omnipotent wish-granting machine’ we know, and the power it contains has long been corrupted.” Tohsaka Yu’s tone was extremely sincere. “I don’t mean to shake your resolve, I just hope that you can…be more cautious.”

“Like this hotel…it’s not really safe to stay in a place like this,” he said tactfully.

Kenneth listened quietly to Tohsaka Yu's story, his brows furrowing and relaxing at times, his expression changing accordingly.

After Yu Tohsaka finished speaking, he remained silent for a long time before slowly opening his mouth.

What you've said is indeed... somewhat unexpected.

Kenneth picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, seemingly savoring the wine's richness, and also digesting the astonishing information brought by Tohsaka Yu. "The 'disappearance' of the Greater Grail, and those 'extraordinary' servants you mentioned... have indeed made the course of this ritual much more complicated than I had anticipated."

He paused, but his azure eyes once again gleamed with the confidence and pride befitting the monarch of the Clock Tower: "However, it seems you still underestimate your teacher, and also underestimate the El-Melloi family's foundation."

Kenneth slowly stood up, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the brightly lit city below. His tone was full of unquestionable composure and... a hint of arrogance.

“Yu, I know the dangers of the Holy Grail War far better than you do. I have poured countless efforts and resources into preparing for this day, making meticulous and thorough preparations.”

He turned to look at Tohsaka Yu, a smug and contemptuous smile on his face: "Do you think I would put myself in danger without any precautions?"

"From the moment I stepped into this hotel, I had already set up countless magical barriers and alchemical traps. Every floor, every wall, and even every ventilation duct is inscribed with the highest level of defensive spells of the El-Melloi school."

"The defense system here is strong enough to withstand several attacks from any top magician."

Kenneth's lips curled into a confident smile, a faint glint of amusement in his eyes: "Let alone those cowardly villains, even those Servants who displayed formidable strength last night would find it no easy task to break through the defenses I've set up here!"

"so--"

Kenneth turned around and looked at his disciple again, his tone carrying the "guidance" of an elder, "Although the Holy Grail War is full of variables, the true strong ones are always those who can bring all variables under their control. You still have a lot to learn."

His words were filled with the absolute confidence and composure of the Clock Tower's monarch, as if he had already foreseen his ultimate victory.

Yu Tohsaka listened to Kenneth's boastful words, which were full of the implication of "planting a flag," and opened his mouth, wanting to say something more.

However, his words, and the confident smile on Kenneth's face, were completely interrupted in the next instant by a sudden, deafening, and terrifying loud noise!

boom--!!!!!!

It felt as if the whole world was shaking violently at that moment!

Yu Tohsaka felt an unimaginable, terrifying shockwave crash down on her like an invisible giant hammer. The suite's sturdy tempered glass instantly shattered into countless fragments that shot inwards. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling shook violently, emitting a piercing cracking sound, before crashing down with an aura of utter destruction!

The floorboards beneath their feet groaned under the strain, and the walls were instantly covered with jagged, spiderweb-like cracks.

The entire New Capital Hotel, a temporary outpost that Kenneth boasted was "impregnable," was completely ignited by a sudden explosion!

……

The Tohsaka family mansion, the underground magic workshop.

The air was filled with the faint fragrance unique to expensive gemstones and refined magic.

Tokiomi Tohsaka walked slowly through his spacious and tidy workshop with his hands behind his back.

As the head of the Tohsaka family, he had already formulated a detailed and sound plan for this Holy Grail War.

Despite the numerous variables involved, Archer Gilgamesh's strength is undeniable, and Kirei Komine has already been deployed as a pawn. Everything seems to be progressing smoothly towards the most "elegant" path to victory that he anticipated.

He had even begun to think about how to further glorify the Tohsaka family after obtaining the Greater Grail and reaching the Root, and... how to handle the future of his two daughters.

Just as Tokiomi Tohsaka was methodically planning his future, the magic phone used for encrypted communication in the workshop suddenly rang urgently, breaking the tranquility.

Tokiomi Tohsaka frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure rising in his heart.

He disliked this kind of unplanned disruption, especially at this sensitive time when the Holy Grail War had already begun.

He walked to the communication device and answered the phone.

Through the receiver came the voice of Kotomine Risei, the overseer of the Holy Church. His voice was old but still carried a certain authority. However, at this moment, there was an unusual hint of... anxiety and solemnity in his voice.

"Something seems to have gone wrong with Kirei."

"Father Risei?" Tokiomi Tohsaka's voice remained elegant, but a sense of foreboding crept into his heart. "What happened?"

"Kiri has disappeared."

Kotomine Risei's voice was heavy with disbelief, "Just recently, the church's spies throughout the city reported that Kirei's presence suddenly and completely disappeared from Fuyuki City, as if he had never existed."

"What?!" Even a magician as calm and collected as Tokiomi Tohsaka, who never showed his emotions, had his expression change drastically the moment he heard the news!

Kirei has disappeared? How is that possible?! As an agent, Kirei Kotomine's strength and caution are beyond doubt. Just who could have taken him down in such a short time?

"I understand... I'll try to find out where he is."

Tokiomi Tohsaka suppressed his shock and anger, but before he could finish speaking, an emergency news report suddenly interrupted the broadcast on a television set in the corner of the workshop that was connected to an external news channel.

"Breaking news from this station: A violent explosion occurred at the Shinto Hotel in Fuyuki City's new ward just minutes ago, suspected to be caused by a natural gas leak inside the hotel... The extent of casualties is currently unknown, and fire and rescue teams have rushed to the scene..."

On the television screen, the iconic modern building of the Xindu Hotel was shrouded in thick smoke and towering flames. The piercing sirens and chaotic shouts could be faintly heard through the screen, and the scene was a complete mess.

Tokiomi Tohsaka's words, which he was about to say, came to an abrupt halt.

He suddenly raised his head, his eyes, which were always elegant and composed, widened slightly in shock as he stared blankly at the apocalyptic scene on the television screen.

The New Capital Hotel... According to the information previously gathered by his disciple Kirei Kotomine, that is the area where Kenneth, the Lord of the Clock Tower, resides.

Who on earth would dare to directly attack the stronghold of a Clock Tower monarch?

Moreover, it caused such a huge commotion...

"Who did this...?"

"It's quite rare to see you look so angry."

Just then, in the darkness of the workshop, golden light particles rapidly converged into the figure of the King of Gold.

Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, crossed his arms and, with his crimson eyes, observed Tokiomi Tohsaka's angry expression with great interest.

"Magicians exist in the darkness, and the Holy Grail War is also conducted in secret... This is something that all Masters should abide by."

Tokiomi Tohsaka's tone carried a hint of anger: "But the person who attacked Kenneth... has completely violated the principles of a magician."

Gilgamesh narrowed his eyes: "So you mean..."

Tokiomi Tohsaka took a deep breath and said slowly, "No matter what... it's necessary to go and see what's going on."

Volume 1: Chapter 69 Darkened Sakura

The night was as dark as ink, and the air above the city was icy cold.

Kuyu Maiya stood quietly on the edge of the rooftop of an abandoned building, her black combat suit making her almost blend into the night.

Her face was expressionless, but her eyes, which were always as sharp as a hawk's, now reflected the towering flames and billowing smoke from the Xindu Hotel not far away, and were filled with an uncontrollable sorrow and... a deep-seated hatred.

Kiritsugu... is dead.

The man who rescued her from the mire of despair and gave her meaning in life, the man she was willing to give everything to follow and protect, died in this cruel Holy Grail War without any explanation.

Although the true cause of Kiritsugu's death has not yet been found, and there is no conclusive evidence, based on her previous investigations, the mysterious Caster who suddenly appeared and was always surrounded by several powerful women is undoubtedly the prime suspect.

It was they who disrupted all of Kiritsugu's plans, and it was they who turned this Holy Grail War, which should have been under their control, upside down!

Therefore, she seeks revenge.

Using her most proficient methods, she eliminated the "culprits" who caused Kiritsugu's death, one by one.

The explosion at the Xindu Hotel was just the beginning.

A small "memorial" offered to the deceased.

Wu Mi took one last look at the burning sea of ​​fire, a cold, resolute glint in her eyes.

She knew that the magical barrier inside the hotel and those powerful Servants might not be completely destroyed by the explosion, but at least... it would cause them enough chaos and trouble to buy her valuable time for her next move.

She slowly turned around, preparing to quietly withdraw along the pre-planned route to carry out her next revenge plan.

However, the moment she turned around, her movements suddenly froze.

Unbeknownst to her, a petite figure had silently appeared behind her.

Moonlight filtered through the clouds, casting dappled patterns on the visitors.

She was a girl dressed in an elegant kimono, with soft, short black hair. Her skin was so pale it was almost transparent, and her features were delicate. Her eyes, which should have been as beautiful as obsidian, were now empty and devoid of any emotion, staring at her indifferently.

Wu Mi's pupils suddenly contracted, and an indescribable chill instantly shot from the soles of her feet to the top of her head!

She felt even more terrified than when facing the most elite Servants!

"It's...it's you...?" Maiya's voice trembled slightly with extreme shock, her face showing disbelief and horror. "Tohsaka...Sakura?! How could you...be here?!"

Of course she recognized the girl; she was Tokiomi Tohsaka's daughter, and also... the poor girl who had been sent to the Matou family and was supposed to become a sacrifice for that corrupt family.

But... why is she here? Why does she exude such a terrifying aura, filled with filth and malice, that sends chills down one's spine?!

Sakura Tohsaka did not answer her question. Her empty black eyes continued to stare at her indifferently, as if she were looking at an insignificant, dead object.

Then, she slowly raised her fair little hand.

The next second, from the shadow beneath Wu Mi's feet, countless pitch-black "black mud" exuding a nauseating stench surged out without warning, like living venomous snakes, and instantly swallowed her whole!

"Well--!"

Maimi couldn't even let out a scream. Her body, honed through countless trials, and her proud combat skills seemed so pale and powerless in the face of this pure and irresistible "malice."

The black mud churned, and then... quietly receded.

On the rooftop, only Sakura Tohsaka remained standing quietly, as if nothing had happened.

Hisayuu Maiya, this cold and professional magician's assistant, just like that... disappeared from this world without a sound.

After doing all this, Sakura Tohsaka slowly turned around, her empty black eyes looking at the Xindu Hotel, which was still burning and exploding in the distance.

Her face remained expressionless, but a trace of extremely complex and incomprehensible worry flickered in her unfathomable eyes.

On the rooftop, the night wind remained cold, carrying a faint scent of gunpowder and blood.

"Hehe... Little girl, are you worried about that kid named Tohsaka Yu?"

A familiar female voice, tinged with a hint of languor and mockery, suddenly rang in her mind.

Sakura Tohsaka's body trembled almost imperceptibly, a flicker of emotion flashing in her empty eyes, but she quickly returned to her indifferent state.

She didn't respond, but simply continued to gaze quietly into the distance.

“Compared to that reckless brat, you should… worry about yourself first.” Kama’s voice carried a unique allure and mockery. “After all, if some fool finds out you’re in this ‘weak’ state, it could cause a lot of trouble.”

"I...I didn't..." Sakura Tohsaka timidly retorted in her heart, but she knew that Kama was telling the truth.